DPTI has called tenders for 2 new permanent transportable buildings to be transported and installed at the DPTI site at Railway Terrace Mile End which will undergo preparation works for it to be a depot for buses to layover whilst drivers have a meal break etc. It will have 9 tracks,and the installation of these 2 buildings will commence late August. 1 building will be for female and male toilets,the other will be a lunch room.I guess this will probably see the end of Clarendon Street terminal, Currie Street Bus Depot and probably Southlinks Franklin Street depot.This plan was talked about late last year and included plans for O-Bahn buses that currently use Clarendon Street to then use the new depot at Railway Terrace.

As dead running is the responsibility of the service providers I doubt they will get anything for it, however with the contracts being up for tender in a year I'm sure it would be factored into the new tenders. Depending on how long it takes for the facility to be built; the status quo may remain until the new contracts commence operation.

Having done contract exercises (albeit on a much smaller scale) for TfNSW, I can assure you that the cost of dead running can be quite substantial. I think I recall reading that, in the change over from Sydney Buses to the private contractor in Region 6, Sydney, an amazingly expensive practice, amongst will be eliminated - that is that drivers return (dead running) to their home depot, from where ever they are, to take their breaks - that and current restrictive practices must cost a small fortune.